songwriting
Every episode of The Rugged Revival featuring songwriting — conversations with independent country, Americana, and roots artists.
James Otto
#1 Hits, Grammy Nominations & Going Solo | James Otto
James Otto has been called The Biggest Voice in Country Music & that might just be true. Standing a broad-shouldered 6 foot 5 inches tall, Otto has a powerhouse voice to match.His textured, sometimes raspy vocals are delivered with passion and plenty of soul.Otto blends that soulful voice with great storytelling and a smooth, funky groove to create his signature Country Soul sound.Otto rose to prominence when he signed with Warner Bros. and released the album Sunset Man. His breakthrough hit, "Just Got Started Lovin' You," went to the top of the charts as a 2-week #1 song and became the "most played country song of the year." Otto also received a Grammy Nomination for "Best Male Country Vocal Performance" of the song. The hit's popularity has endured, as it’s on the list of Billboard's 100 Greatest Country Songs, confirming it as one of the most played songs in the history of country radio.A founding member of MuzikMafia, Otto has also earned a reputation as one of Nashville’s most compelling songwriters. He co-wrote Jamey Johnson’s career-defining hit, “In Color," and for that song, Otto again received a Grammy nod, but this time as a songwriter for "Best Country Song." “In Color” brought further recognition, as he took home awards for both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Academy’s “Song of the Year.” Later, Otto co-penned "Somethin' 'Bout a Boat" for Jimmy Buffett, which uniquely made its way to Broadway as part of the musical Escape to Margaritaville. He also co-wrote “No Hurry” which soared to the top of the charts for the Zac Brown Band. Additionally, Otto has collaborated on songs for artists: Randy Houser, Chris Janson, Darius Rucker, Trace Adkins, Josh Kiser, John Rich, John Anderson, Randy Owen, the supergroup Alabama and many more.
Race Ricketts
Race Ricketts - Exploring Texas Culture & Music | Rugged Revival
In this episode of The Rugged Revival Podcast, TJ and guest Race Ricketts discuss various topics including the impact of COVID on music careers, and their experiences at the Stocktober event. Race shares insights about his upbringing in a small Texas town, his journey into music and acting, and the pride he feels in being Texan. The conversation also touches on favorite hangout spots in Texas, the dynamics of collaboration in music, and the essence of Texas reflected in Race's songs. In this conversation, Race Ricketts discusses the dynamics of collaboration in music, the journey of his recent releases, and the storytelling behind his songs. He shares insights on maintaining mental health in the music industry and his aspirations for future touring and growth. The discussion highlights the importance of personal connections and the creative process in songwriting, as well as the challenges and joys of being an independent artist.
Evan Golden Hopper
Evan Golden Hopper - From Bluegrass Roots to Punk Rebellion | Rugged Revival
From bluegrass porches to punk basements, Evan Golden Hopper has lived a wild musical evolution.In this episode, Camden dives into Evan’s early influences, from his grandparents’ old‑time picking sessions to recording his first DIY punk demos on a Yamaha analog deck. They talk about creative honesty, finding identity through sound, and how artists like Townes Van Zandt, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Sierra Ferrell still shape his songwriting today.Evan also teases new music from his project Quell, with a brand‑new single dropping around Thanksgiving - plus insight into what it means to stay real in a world full of noise.
Susannah Clegg
Susannah Clegg - Exploring the UK Country & Americana Scene
In this episode of Sound Check, TJ is joined by UK independent Country and Americana artist, Susannah Clegg.They delve into the intricacies of being an independent artist in the UK music scene. Susannah shares her journey from part-time musician to full-time artist, discussing the challenges of balancing creativity with the demands of social media and marketing. Susannah highlights the supportive nature of the UK music community while also addressing the need for more opportunities for original artists. The conversation explores her unique storytelling approach to songwriting, her influences, and her upcoming projects, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of her artistic journey and the evolving landscape of UK Country Music.